JP3899254B2 - Line control device and information terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an information terminal device capable of supporting a data communication service such as an L mode service provided by NTT,AndConnected to the information terminal device and the communication device such as a facsimile device and a telephone, and the connection to the public line telephone network is switched between these devices.About line control equipment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a data communication service called L-mode service has been provided by NTT in order to increase the use of the Internet by housewives and elderly people who are relatively unfamiliar with the Internet. This L-mode service is a service that allows simple and convenient simple mail transmission / reception and retrieval of information described in simple HTML by menu operation from an L-mode compatible telephone or facsimile apparatus.
[0003]
For example, when receiving provision of an information search service described in simple HTML, an L-mode server that provides an L-mode service is accessed from an L-mode compatible terminal and an L-mode service menu screen is displayed. The user can search for desired information by selecting any content from the menu screen.
[0004]
One of the main functions of the L-mode service is the “FAX TO function”. The “FAX TO function” is a function for automatically transmitting facsimile data from the facsimile server to the L-mode compatible terminal when the L-mode compatible terminal calling the facsimile server in accordance with the screen guidance of the searched home page. is there.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned “FAX TO function” is a service that can be received only by an L-mode compatible facsimile machine, and can be received by an L-mode compatible telephone as well as a general facsimile machine that does not support the L-mode service. There is a problem that can not be.
[0006]
On the other hand, in many cases, a user currently owns a general facsimile machine that does not support the L-mode service. In order to receive an L-mode service, particularly a service using the “FAX TO function”, this facsimile is used. Since it is necessary to replace the apparatus with a facsimile machine compatible with the L mode, there is a problem that the economic burden on the user is large.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can provide an L-mode service, in particular, a service using the “FAXTO function” by using a general facsimile machine that does not support the L-mode service. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information terminal device and a line control device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention acquires a search item by connecting to a search server via a public line network, and when the content server is reconnected to the content server using a destination telephone number included in the desired search item, the content server Information terminal device for obtaining the search item and calling the content server in a communication service for delivering the content associated with the desired search item, and a facsimile apparatus for receiving the content associated with the desired search item And a line control device for switching a connection destination with the public line network between the information terminal device and the facsimile device, the connection destination with the public line network Is switched to the information terminal device when the search item is acquired, while the desired search item is Switch to the facsimile apparatus at the time of reception of the associated contentWhen an off-hook in the facsimile is detected after the information terminal device makes a call to the content server, the connection destination to the public line network is switched from the information terminal device to the facsimile device, and the off-hook in the facsimile device If there is, the information terminal device is notified to that effect regardless of the connection destination with the public line network.It was made to do.
[0009]
  As a result, the information terminal device is connected to the public line network when the search item is acquired, while the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network when the content associated with the desired search item is received. Therefore, the content associated with the search item designated by the information terminal device can be received by the facsimile device. Therefore, by using the present invention, for example, a service using the “FAX TO function” or the “TELL TO function” in the L mode service provided by NTT can be used with a general facsimile machine that does not support the L mode service. Can receive.Further, after the off-hook in the facsimile apparatus is detected, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network. Therefore, the user can connect the facsimile apparatus to the public line network with a simple operation of off-hook in the facsimile apparatus, and the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network when no off-hook is detected in the facsimile layer. Absent. Accordingly, the content associated with the desired search item can be reliably received by the facsimile apparatus. Further, the information terminal device is notified that an off-hook has occurred in the facsimile apparatus regardless of the connection destination with the public line network. Therefore, the information terminal apparatus can always recognize the off-hook state of the facsimile apparatus.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The line control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention obtains a search item by connecting to a search server via a public line network, and uses the destination telephone number included in the desired search item. Information terminal device for acquiring the search item and calling the content server in a communication service for delivering content associated with the desired search item from the content server when the line is reconnected to the content server, and the desired search item A line control device that is arranged between a facsimile device that receives content associated with the public line network and the public line network and switches a connection destination to the public line network between the information terminal device and the facsimile device. And
  The connection destination with the public line network is switched to the information terminal device when the search item is acquired, and is switched to the facsimile device when content associated with the desired search item is received.When an off-hook in the facsimile is detected after the information terminal device makes a call to the content server, the connection destination to the public line network is switched from the information terminal device to the facsimile device, and the off-hook in the facsimile device If there is, the information terminal device is notified to that effect regardless of the connection destination with the public line network.The structure is adopted.
[0011]
  According to this configuration, the information terminal device is connected to the public line network when the search item is acquired, and the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network when the content associated with the desired search item is received. Therefore, the content associated with the search item designated by the information terminal device can be received by the facsimile device. Therefore, by using the present invention, for example, a service using the “FAX TO function” or the “TELL TO function” in the L mode service provided by NTT can be used with a general facsimile machine that does not support the L mode service. Can receive.Further, after the off-hook in the facsimile apparatus is detected, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network. Therefore, the user can connect the facsimile apparatus to the public line network with a simple operation of off-hook in the facsimile apparatus, and the facsimile apparatus is connected to the public line network when no off-hook is detected in the facsimile layer. Absent. Accordingly, the content associated with the desired search item can be reliably received by the facsimile apparatus. Further, the information terminal device is notified that an off-hook has occurred in the facsimile apparatus regardless of the connection destination with the public line network. Therefore, the information terminal apparatus can always recognize the off-hook state of the facsimile apparatus.
[0018]
  First of the present invention2The aspect of the1'sIn the line control device according to the aspect, the switching control of the connection destination with the public line network is configured to be performed according to an instruction from the information terminal device.
[0019]
According to this configuration, the switching control of the connection destination with the public line network in the line control device is controlled in accordance with an instruction from the information terminal device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the line control device to perform independent control for switching control of the connection destination with the public line network, so that the control of the line control device can be simplified and the device configuration can be simplified. it can.
[0022]
  First of the present invention3The information terminal device according to the above aspect is configured such that a search item is obtained by connecting a line to a search server via a public line network, and the line connection is reconnected to the content server using a destination telephone number included in the desired search item. In a communication service for delivering content associated with the desired search item from the content server, a connection destination to the public line network is set together with a facsimile apparatus that receives the content associated with the desired search item. An information terminal device connected to a line control device for switching between a device and the facsimile device,
  When a destination telephone number included in the desired search item is selected, a call is made to the content server, and when the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is detected thereafter, a connection destination with the public line network is set as the facsimile destination. An instruction signal to switch to the device is sent to the line control deviceAnd
If the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is not detected within a predetermined time after calling the content server, the facsimile apparatus stops receiving the content associated with the desired search item.The structure to do is taken.
[0023]
  According to this configuration, when completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is detected after a call is made from the information terminal apparatus to the content server, the connection destination with the public line network is switched to the facsimile apparatus. For this reason, the content associated with the sword item specified by the information terminal device can be received by the facsimile apparatus. Therefore, by using the information terminal device and the facsimile device according to the present invention by connecting to the public line network through the line control device, for example, the “FAX TO function” or “ A service using the “TELL TO function” can be received by a general facsimile machine that does not support the L mode service.If the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is not detected within a predetermined time after calling the content server, the reception processing of the content associated with the desired search item is stopped. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the content reception process is continued indefinitely even though the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is not detected.
[0030]
  First of the present invention4The aspect of the3In the information terminal device according to the aspect, when the reception processing of the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile device is stopped, a message indicating that is adopted.
[0031]
According to this configuration, when the content reception process is stopped, a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that the content reception process has been stopped, and as a result, it is possible to prompt the user to perform another reception process or the like.
[0032]
  First of the present invention5The aspect of the3rd or 4thIn the information terminal device according to the above aspect, when the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile device is received, a message indicating that is adopted.
[0033]
According to this configuration, while the content from the content server is received by the facsimile apparatus, the fact is displayed on the display screen of the information terminal apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that the content is being received and that the reception has been completed. As a result, the user can recognize the reception state in the facsimile apparatus only by looking at the display screen of the information terminal apparatus.
[0034]
  First of the present invention6The aspect of the3To the second5In the information terminal device according to any of the above aspects, when reception of the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile apparatus in the previous period is completed, an instruction signal for switching the connection destination with the public line network to the information terminal device is received. A configuration for sending to the line control device is adopted.
[0035]
According to this configuration, when the content reception process in the facsimile apparatus is completed, the information terminal apparatus is connected to the public line network. As a result, the information terminal device can continuously perform processing such as acquisition of a desired search item by connecting the line to the search server again.
[0038]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line control method for acquiring a search item by connecting a line to a search server via a public line network and using a destination telephone number included in the desired search item. An information terminal device for acquiring the search item and calling the content server in a communication service that distributes content associated with the desired search item from the content server when the line is reconnected to the content server, and the desired search A line control method using a facsimile apparatus that receives content associated with an item, and a line control apparatus that switches a connection destination of the public line network between the information terminal apparatus and the facsimile apparatus,
The connection destination to the public line network is switched to the information terminal device when the search item is acquired, and is switched to the facsimile device when content associated with the desired search item is received.
[0050]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration to which an information terminal device and a line control device according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied.
[0051]
In FIG. 1, a user installs an information terminal device 101, a line control device 102, and a general facsimile machine (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) 103 that does not support the L mode service in the home 100. It shall be owned.
[0052]
The information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 are connected to the line control apparatus 102. The line control apparatus 102 is connected to a public line network (hereinafter referred to as “PSTN”) 104. The information terminal device 101 is a communication terminal that can receive the provision of the L-mode service, and accesses the L-mode server 105 as a search server that provides the L-mode service through the line control device 102 via the PSTN 104. be able to. That is, the information terminal device 101 has a browser function, and by using this browser function, the menu screen of the L mode service provided by the L mode server 105 can be displayed.
[0053]
The line control apparatus 102 switches the PSTN 104 and the connection destination between the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103. When the line control apparatus 102 switches the connection destination as necessary, the information terminal apparatus 101 can receive L-mode service, and the FAX 103 can transmit and receive general facsimile data.
[0054]
Further, the line control apparatus 102 is in the process of receiving the L mode service from the information terminal apparatus 101, and when the “FAX TO function” which is one of the main functions of the L mode service is selected, The connection destination with the PSTN 104 is switched from the information terminal apparatus 101 to the FAX 103.
[0055]
When the “FAX TO function” is selected in the information terminal apparatus 101 and the line control apparatus 102 switches the connection destination with the PSTN 104 to the FAX 103, the FAX 103 receives facsimile data from the data storage server 106 that functions as a facsimile server (content server). (Content) can be received.
[0056]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the line control apparatus 102 and the information terminal apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0057]
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the line control apparatus 102. The line control device 102 includes a first terminal unit 201 connected to a center switch on the PSTN 104 side (hereinafter simply referred to as “PSTN”), and a network control unit (NCU (Network Control Unit)) provided in the information terminal device 101. 202A (for FAX transmission / reception) connected to a terminal for transmitting / receiving the data of the data, and data other than the data transmitted / received via the network provided in the information terminal device 101 (switching instruction signal, off-hook detection signal, ringer) A second terminal portion (for control signal) 202B connected to a signal input / output terminal for transmitting and receiving a detection signal and the like, and a third terminal portion 203 connected to a terminal for transmitting and receiving facsimile data provided in the FAX 103. is doing.
[0058]
The line control apparatus 102 also includes a line switching circuit A 204 and a line switching circuit B 205 that are used to switch the connection destination to the PSTN 104, and further, a ringer that comes from the PSTN 104 when the FAX 103 is connected to the information terminal apparatus 101. A line switching circuit C206 used for detecting a signal is provided.
[0059]
The line switching circuit A 204 includes a pair of PSTN side terminals a 1 and a 2 connected to the first terminal unit 201 to which the PSTN 104 is connected, and a pair of line switching circuits B connected to the FAX 103 side via the line switching circuit B 205. Terminals b1 and b2 and a pair of information terminal side terminals c1 and c2 to which a second terminal unit 202A connected to the information terminal device 101 (data transmission / reception terminal) is always connected, and the information terminal side terminals (c1, The other party to be connected to c2) is switched between the PSTN side terminals (a1, a2) or the line switching circuit B side terminals (b1, b2).
[0060]
The line switching circuit B205 is a pair of line switching circuits connected to the information terminal apparatus 101 side via the pair of PSTN side terminals a11 and a22 connected to the first terminal unit 201 to which the PSTN 104 is connected and the line switching circuit A204. The circuit A side terminals b11 and b22 and a pair of FAX side terminals d1 and d2 to which the third terminal unit 203 connected to the FAX 103 is always connected are connected to the FAX side terminals (d1 and d2). Are switched between the PSTN side terminals (a11, a22) or the line switching circuit A side terminals (b11, b22).
[0061]
As described above, the information terminal apparatus 101 and the PSTN 104 are connected, the FAX 103 and the PSTN 104 are connected, and the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 are connected only by switching the connection between the line switching circuit A 204 and the line switching circuit B 205. Can do.
[0062]
Switching between the line switching circuit A 204 and the line switching circuit B 205 is controlled by the line control circuit 207. The line control circuit 207 performs switching control of the line switching circuit A 204 and the line switching circuit B 205 in accordance with a control signal given from the information terminal apparatus 101 to the second terminal unit (for control signal) 202B.
[0063]
In addition, a ringer detection circuit 208 and a line switching circuit C206 are inserted in series in a closed circuit formed between the first terminal unit 201 connected to the PSTN 104. The ringer detection circuit 208 is a circuit that detects a ringer signal coming from the PSTN 104. The line switching circuit C206 is ON / OFF controlled by the line control circuit 207. Specifically, the line switching circuit A204 is turned on when the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) are connected to the line switching circuit B side terminals (b1, b2), and conversely, the information terminal side terminal (c1 , C2) is controlled to be in an OFF state when it is connected to the PSTN side terminals (a1, a2).
[0064]
As a result, when the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 are connected via the line switching circuit A 204 and the line switching circuit B 205, the ringer detection circuit 208 can detect an incoming call from the PSTN 104.
[0065]
A loop detection circuit 209 is provided in a closed circuit formed between the third terminal unit 203 to which the FAX 103 is connected and the line switching circuit B205. The loop detection circuit 209 is a circuit that detects that a loop is formed between the FAX 103 and the line control apparatus 102 when the FAX 103 is off-hooked. The loop detection circuit 209 is connected to a second terminal unit (for control signal) 202B that transmits and receives control signals to and from the information terminal apparatus 101 via a signal line. The off-hook detection signal (reception preparation completion signal) detected by the loop detection circuit 209 and the ringer detection signal detected and transmitted by the ringer detection circuit 208 are signals connected to the second terminal portion (for control signal) 202B. It can be transmitted to the information terminal device 101 via a line.
[0066]
The power feeding unit 210 is connected to a line connecting the line switching circuit B side terminals (b1, b2) of the line switching circuit A204 and the line switching circuit A side terminals (b11, b22) of the line switching circuit B205. .
[0067]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of the line control circuit 207 described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the line control circuit 207 generates two types of threshold voltages V1, V2 (V2> V1) with three resistors R1, R2, and R3 connected in series, and is transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 101. An incoming voltage signal (a switching instruction signal described later) is compared with threshold voltages V1 and V2 (V2> V1) by two comparators A301 and B302. The output signals of the comparators A301 and B302 are configured to be applied to the bases of the transistor switches 303 and 304.
[0068]
The collector terminal of one transistor switch 303 is connected to the line switching circuit B205, and the collector terminal of the other transistor switch 304 is connected to the line switching circuit A204 and the line switching circuit C206. When the collector-emitter of the transistor switch 304 is in the conductive state, the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) of the line switching circuit A204 are connected to the line switching circuit B side terminals (b1, b2), and the transistor switch 304 When the collector-emitter is in a non-conductive state, the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) are connected to the PSTN side terminals (a1, a2).
[0069]
Further, when the collector-emitter of the transistor switch 303 is in a conductive state, the FAX side terminals (d1, d2) of the line switching circuit B205 are connected to the line switching circuit A side terminals (b11, b22), and the transistor switch 303 When the collector-emitter is in a non-conductive state, the FAX side terminals (d1, d2) of the line switching circuit B205 are connected to the PSTN side terminals (a11, a22).
[0070]
When the switching instruction signal S1 having a voltage value lower than the threshold voltage V1 is transmitted from the information terminal device 101, both the transistor switches 303 and 304 are in a non-conduction state (OFF state). At this time, the line switching circuit A204 is in a state where the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) are connected to the PSTN side terminals (a1, a2), and the line switching circuit B205 is connected to the FAX side terminals (d1, d2). The line switching circuit C206 is set to be in the OFF state because it is connected to (a11, a22). Such a connection state is a state in which the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 are connected to the PSTN 104 together. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a first connection mode. In the first connection mode, the information terminal device 101 can detect a ringer signal or a modem signal sent to the FAX 103.
[0071]
When the switching instruction signal S2 having a voltage value higher than the threshold voltage V1 and lower than the threshold voltage V2 is transmitted from the information terminal device 101, the transistor switch 303 is turned on and the transistor switch 304 is turned off. State (OFF state). At this time, the line switching circuit A204 is in a state where the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) are connected to the PSTN side terminals (a1, a2), and the line switching circuit B205 is connected to the FAX side terminals (d1, d2). The line switching circuit C206 is set to be in the OFF state because it is connected to the A side terminals (b11, b22). Such a connection state is a state in which the PSTN 104 and the information terminal device 101 are connected. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a second connection mode.
[0072]
When the switching instruction signal S3 having a voltage value higher than the threshold voltage V2 is transmitted from the information terminal device 101, both the transistor switches 303 and 304 are in a conductive state (ON state). At this time, the line switching circuit A204 is in a state where the information terminal side terminals (c1, c2) are connected to the line switching circuit B side terminals (b1, b2), and the line switching circuit B205 is connected to the FAX side terminals (d1, d2). The line switching circuit A side terminals (b11, b22) are connected, and the line switching circuit C206 is set to be in the ON state. Such a connection state is a state in which the PSTN 104 is connected to the ringer detection circuit 208, and the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 are connected via the line switching circuit A204 and the line switching circuit B205. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a third connection mode.
[0073]
The information terminal device 101 switches the instruction to be given to the line control circuit 207 by inputting switching instruction signals S1, S2, and S3 having three different voltage values to the line control circuit 207. Specifically, the instructions given to the line control circuit 207 are switched by sending switching instruction signals S1, S2, and S3 having voltage values of 0V, 6V, and 10V. By inputting the switching instruction signals S1, S2, and S3 having such three different voltage values to the line control circuit 207, the above three connection modes are realized.
[0074]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of information terminal apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 4, the information terminal device 101 according to the present embodiment is a general personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) with a built-in communication function, except that it does not include a large-capacity storage means such as a hard disk. ”).
[0076]
That is, the information terminal device 101 includes a control unit 401 configured by arithmetic processing means such as a CPU. A ROM 402 and a RAM 403 are connected to the control unit 401. The ROM 402 stores a program executed by the control unit 401 in order to control the entire information terminal device 101. The ROM 402 of the information terminal device 101 stores a program that can receive provision of L-mode service. The RAM 403 is used as a work area when the control unit 401 executes a program.
[0077]
Also, a modem 404 is connected to the control unit 401, and a network control unit (NCU (Network Control Unit)) 405 is connected to the modem 404. The NCU 405 controls outgoing / incoming calls, and the modem 404 modulates / demodulates communication data. By using these modem 404 and NCU 405, the information terminal apparatus 101 can perform a call operation to the L mode server 105 and the data storage server 106.
[0078]
Furthermore, a display 406 as a display unit and a keyboard 407 as an operation unit are connected to the control unit 401. On the display 406, a menu screen provided by the L mode service is displayed, and the state of the information terminal device 101 and instructions to the user are displayed. The keyboard 407 is used when a user inputs an instruction to the information terminal device 101. Note that the operation means is not limited to the keyboard 407, and may be a pointing device such as a mouse.
[0079]
Further, the control unit 401 includes an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F unit”) 408 for interfacing with the line control apparatus 102. An instruction signal for the line control apparatus 102 is sent to the line control apparatus 102 via the I / F unit 408.
[0080]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram in which main functions of the information terminal apparatus 101 are extracted. FIG. 5 shows a function that operates particularly when communicating with the line control apparatus 102.
[0081]
In the information terminal apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 5, the receiving unit 501 receives a signal transmitted from the line control apparatus 102. Specifically, a detection signal and a ringer detection signal indicating the closing / opening of the line in the FAX 103 sent from the loop detection circuit 209 of the line control apparatus 102 are received.
[0082]
The detection unit 502 includes an off-hook detection unit 503, an outside line incoming detection unit 504, an operation detection unit 505, and a timer 506, and detects a signal received by the reception unit 501, a set time-up, and a user operation input.
[0083]
The off-hook detection unit 503 detects off-hook / on-hook in the FAX 103 from a detection signal indicating closing / opening of the line in the FAX 103 received by the reception unit 501. The outside line incoming detection unit 504 detects an outside line incoming call from the ringer detection signal received by the receiving unit 501. As a result, even when the FAX 103 is used as a printing unit, it is possible to preferentially process incoming calls.
[0084]
The operation detection unit 505 detects a user instruction input from the keyboard 407. For example, an instruction input such as communication interruption during communication is detected. The timer 506 is used for timed control in the information terminal apparatus 101, and detects time-up in various processes. For example, an increase in the time limit for detecting off-hook in the FAX 103 is detected.
[0085]
The determination unit 507 determines an instruction to the line control device 102 and the state of the information terminal device 101 according to the state detected by each unit constituting the detection unit 502. This determination result is notified to the switching instruction signal transmission unit 508 and the display control unit 509.
[0086]
The switching instruction signal transmission unit 508 transmits switching instruction signals having different instructions to the line control apparatus 102 according to the notified determination result. For example, when an off-hook in the FAX 103 is detected, the switching instruction signal S3 described above is sent to the line control apparatus 102 so that the FAX 103 is connected to the PSTN 104.
[0087]
On the other hand, the display control unit 509 displays a message including an instruction to the user on the display 406 according to the notified determination result. For example, when the time is up in a certain process, an instruction such as “communication failed. Please retry the process from the beginning” is displayed on the display 406.
[0088]
Next, an operation when receiving provision of L-mode service using information terminal apparatus 101 and line control apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the entire operation will be briefly described using the sequence shown in FIG. 6 and then explained in detail using the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a sequence in the case of receiving provision of L-mode service using information terminal apparatus 101 and line control apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a case where the user receives a service using the “FAX TO function” of the L mode service.
[0089]
When an L-mode service is provided using the information terminal device 101, first, as shown in FIG. 6, a switching instruction signal S2 for switching the line control device 102 to the second connection mode is sent from the information terminal device 101. Is done. As described above, the switching instruction signal S2 is a signal having a voltage value of 6 V, and is continuously sent to the line control apparatus 102 until the next switching instruction signal for switching the connection mode is sent.
[0090]
After sending the switching instruction signal S2, connection processing is performed through call processing between the information terminal device 101 and the L-mode server 105. When this connection process is completed, the menu screen data in the L mode service is transmitted from the L mode server 105. The information terminal device 101 receives this menu screen data.
[0091]
In response to the selection of a predetermined content from the menu screen data in the information terminal device 101, telephone number data is transmitted from the L mode server 105. When the reception of the telephone number data is completed, the process of disconnecting the line connected between the information terminal apparatus 101 and the L mode server 105 is performed.
[0092]
When the line disconnection process is completed, the information terminal apparatus 101 performs a call process to the data storage server 106 based on the telephone number data received earlier. After the call processing is performed, when an off-hook in the FAX 103 is detected (when a reception preparation completion signal is detected), the switching instruction signal S1 for switching the line control apparatus 102 from the information terminal apparatus 101 to the first connection mode. Is sent out.
[0093]
The switching instruction signal S1 is a signal having a voltage value of 0V as described above. Therefore, the state in which the switching instruction signal S1 is transmitted is a state in which no signal is actually output from the information terminal apparatus 101 to the line control apparatus 102. However, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, this state is described as a state in which the switching instruction signal S1 is transmitted.
[0094]
After sending the switching instruction signal S1, connection processing is performed between the FAX 103 and the data storage server 106. When this connection process is completed, content data is sent from the data storage server 106 to the FAX 103. When the reception of the content data is completed, the line connected between the FAX 103 and the data storage server 106 is disconnected.
[0095]
When the line disconnection process is completed, the information terminal apparatus 101 sends a switching instruction signal S2 for switching the line control apparatus 102 to the second connection mode. After sending the switching instruction signal S2, connection processing is performed through call processing between the information terminal apparatus 101 and the L mode server 105 in the same manner as described above. Menu screen data is sent out.
[0096]
Next, the operation of the information terminal apparatus 101 in the sequence as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of information terminal apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment.
[0097]
When the user intends to receive provision of L mode service using the information terminal device 101, the user first activates the information terminal device 101 and accesses the L mode server 105. When this instruction is input from the keyboard 407 by the user, information terminal apparatus 101 first sends a switching instruction signal S2 to line control apparatus 102 (ST701). This switching instruction signal S2 is continuously transmitted until the next switching instruction signal is transmitted.
[0098]
This switching instruction signal S2 instructs the line control apparatus 102 to switch to the second connection mode. When the information terminal apparatus 101 is not activated, the line control apparatus 102 is in the first connection mode in which the PSTN 104 and the FAX 103 are connected in order to ensure facsimile communication with the FAX 103. By receiving this switching instruction signal S2, the first connection mode is switched to the second connection mode.
[0099]
After sending the switching instruction signal S2 to the line control apparatus 102, the information terminal apparatus 101 performs a calling process to connect to the L mode server 105 (ST702). After performing the calling process and completing the connection process with the L mode server 105, the menu screen data transmitted from the L mode server 105 is received (ST703). When this menu screen data is received, an L mode service menu screen is displayed on the display 406.
[0100]
If the menu screen is displayed on display 406, it is determined whether content included in the menu screen has been selected by the user (ST704). In general, the user selects the content a plurality of times to obtain the desired information. Here, it is assumed that the user has obtained the desired information by a single selection. Here, the selection of content in ST704 means selection of “FAX TO function” included in the content.
[0101]
When the user selects content, data corresponding to the selected content is transmitted from the L mode server 105. Here, since the “FAX TO function” included in the content is selected, the telephone number data of the data storage server 106 functioning as a facsimile server corresponding to the selected content is transmitted. This information terminal apparatus 101 receives this telephone number data (ST705).
[0102]
Upon receipt of the telephone number data, information terminal apparatus 101 performs a process for disconnecting the line connected to L-mode server 105 (ST706). By this disconnection process, the line connected to the L mode server 105 is disconnected.
[0103]
After disconnecting the line connected to L-mode server 105, information terminal apparatus 101 performs call processing to connect to data storage server 106 this time using the received telephone number data (ST707). ). At the same time, the information terminal apparatus 101 sets a time limit for detecting an off-hook in the FAX 103 connected via the line control apparatus 102 to the built-in timer 506 (ST708). A timer that sets a time limit until an off-hook is detected in this way is hereinafter referred to as an off-hook timer.
[0104]
When the calling process and the off-hook timer are set, the information terminal apparatus 101 displays an instruction for prompting the user to prepare for reception in the FAX 103 (hereinafter referred to as “reception preparation instruction”) on the display 406 (ST709). On the display 406, for example, a reception preparation instruction such as “Please perform FAX reception operation” is displayed. Here, the reception preparation instruction prompts an off-hook in the FAX 103. In the present embodiment, it is considered that the preparation for reception is completed when the user is off-hooked. Therefore, the user can notify the information terminal apparatus 101 of the completion of reception preparation by a simple operation of off-hook in the FAX 103.
[0105]
By displaying the reception preparation instruction in the FAX 103 in this way, it is possible to prompt the user to prepare for reception in the FAX 103, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which processing is delayed due to reception preparation not being performed.
[0106]
After displaying the reception preparation instruction on the display 406, the information terminal apparatus 101 determines whether the off-hook in the FAX 103 is detected while determining the time-up of the previously set off-hook timer (ST 710) (ST 711). The detection of the off-hook is determined by whether or not a signal indicating that the off-hook has been detected is sent from the loop detection circuit 209 of the line control device 102 to the information terminal device 101 via the I / F terminal unit 202. In this embodiment, since the off-hook by the user is regarded as completion of reception preparation, it is expressed as a reception preparation completion signal in FIG.
[0107]
If the off-hook in FAX 103 is not detected, the process returns to ST 710 to determine again the time-up of the off-hook timer. If the off-hook timer expires without detecting off-hook, the information terminal apparatus 101 displays a message indicating that communication has failed on the display 406 and ends the process (ST712).
[0108]
In this way, when the time of the off-hook timer is up, the content data reception process is stopped. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the content data reception process is continued indefinitely even though the off-hook in the FAX 103 is not detected.
[0109]
Further, the display 406 displays that the content data reception processing has been stopped (communication has failed). Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that the content data reception process has been stopped, and as a result, it is possible to prompt the user to perform another reception process or the like.
[0110]
In ST 709, display 406 displays a message prompting the user to go off-hook in FAX 103. In response to this display, the user is scheduled to go to the FAX 102 and switch the FAX 103 to the off-hook state. When the user switches the FAX 103 to the off-hook state, a reception preparation completion signal is sent to the information terminal apparatus 101 via the line control apparatus 102 (see FIG. 6). In FIG. 6, for the convenience of explanation, the reception preparation completion signal is shown as being sent directly from the FAX 103 to the information terminal apparatus 101 without going through the line control apparatus 102.
[0111]
In ST711, it is determined whether or not an off-hook is detected in the FAX 103 by the user switching operation. When detecting an off-hook in the FAX 103, the information terminal apparatus 101 sends a switching instruction signal S1 to the line control apparatus 102 (ST713).
[0112]
This switching instruction signal S1 instructs the line control apparatus 102 to switch to the first connection mode. Prior to sending the switching instruction signal S1, the line control apparatus 102 receives the provision of the L-mode service by the information terminal apparatus 101, so that the PSTN 104 and the information terminal apparatus 101 are connected to each other. Connected mode. By receiving this switching instruction signal S1, the second connection mode is switched to the first connection mode.
[0113]
When the switching instruction signal S1 is sent from the information terminal apparatus 101 and the line control apparatus 102 is in a state where the PSTN 104 and the FAX 103 are connected, the connection processing is performed between the FAX 103 and the data storage server 106 as shown in FIG. Done. When the connection process is completed, the data storage server 106 transmits the content data instructed by the information terminal apparatus 101 to the FAX 103 by facsimile communication.
[0114]
The facsimile communication from the data storage server 106 to the FAX 103 is executed according to a general facsimile procedure. The FAX 103 receives this content data. Thus, the FAX 103 that does not support the L mode can receive a service using the “FAX TO function” in the L mode service.
[0115]
After the information terminal device 101 calls the data storage server 106 as described above, when the completion of reception preparation in the FAX 103 is detected, the second connection mode is switched to the first connection mode. As a result, the FAX 103 is not connected to the PSTN 104 when reception preparation is not completed in the FAX 103. As a result, the facsimile 103 can reliably receive the facsimile data from the data storage server 106.
[0116]
After sending switching instruction signal S1, information terminal apparatus 101 displays on display 406 that content data is being received (ST714). Here, it is displayed that facsimile data is being received. For example, a message such as “FAX is being received. Please wait for a while” is displayed on the display 406.
[0117]
In this way, while the content data is received by the FAX 103, the fact is displayed on the display 406 of the information terminal device 101. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that the content data is being received and that the reception has been completed. As a result, the user can recognize the reception state in the FAX 103 only by looking at the display 406 of the information terminal apparatus 101.
[0118]
When the transmission of the content data to the FAX 103 is completed, a disconnection process is performed between the data storage server 106 and the FAX 103 as shown in FIG. The disconnection process in the FAX 103 is performed by releasing the line. Specifically, the disconnection process is performed by switching the FAX 103 to the on-hook state.
[0119]
On-hook in the FAX 103 is detected by the loop detection circuit 209 of the line control apparatus 102. When the on-hook in the FAX 103 is detected, the loop detection circuit 209 sends a signal indicating that to the information terminal apparatus 101 via the I / F terminal unit 202.
[0120]
The information terminal apparatus 101 determines whether an on-hook in the FAX 103 has been detected by determining whether an on-hook signal transmitted from the line control apparatus 102 has been detected (ST715). When the on-hook in FAX 103 is detected, switching instruction signal S2 is sent to line control apparatus 102 (ST716). Since this switching instruction signal S2 is the same as that transmitted to the line control apparatus 102 in ST701, the description thereof is omitted.
[0121]
When the reception of the content data is completed as described above, an on-hook in the FAX 103 is detected, and the connection mode of the line control apparatus 102 is switched from the first connection mode to the second connection mode again. Thereby, the information search in the L mode service can be continuously performed by the information terminal apparatus 101.
[0122]
After sending the switching instruction signal S2, the information terminal apparatus 101 returns the process to ST702, performs the calling process to the L-mode server 105 (ST702), receives the menu screen (ST703), and receives the content. Is selected (ST704). Here, when the content is selected, the process is continued again according to the content of the selected content.
[0123]
On the other hand, if no content is selected by the user, information terminal apparatus 101 determines whether an instruction to end L-mode service has been selected from the menu screen (ST717). If the L-mode service end instruction is selected, the information terminal apparatus 101 ends the process. In this way, the operation in the case of receiving provision of the L mode service using the information terminal apparatus 101 and the line control apparatus 102 is terminated.
[0124]
Note that the present embodiment shows a case where the information terminal device 101 continuously receives the L mode service after the content data from the data storage server 106 is received by the FAX 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the content data is received by the FAX 103, the call may not be made to the L-mode server 105 again, and the state may be shifted to the standby state.
[0125]
As described above, according to the information terminal apparatus 101 and the line control apparatus 102 of the present embodiment, the information terminal apparatus 101 and the FAX 103 not compatible with the L mode service are connected to the PSTN 104 via the line control apparatus 102 and communicated. The connection destination with the PSTN 104 is switched according to information (data). As a result, the information terminal apparatus 101 can receive the L mode service, while the facsimile function of the FAX 103 can be used when the facsimile function is required in the L mode service. Accordingly, it is possible to receive an L-mode service, in particular, a service using the “FAX TO function”, using a general facsimile machine that does not support the L-mode service.
[0126]
In the present embodiment, a case where a service using the “FAX TO function” in the L mode service can be received by the FAX 103 that does not support the L mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a service using the “TELL TO function” in the L mode service can be received by a telephone that does not support the L mode. In this case, the content data is not transmitted according to the facsimile procedure as in the present embodiment, but the voice is transmitted when an off-hook is detected in the telephone.
[0127]
In addition, the information terminal apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment detects an off-hook in the FAX 103 and determines that the line is closed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration may be adopted as long as the information terminal apparatus 101 can determine the closing of the line. For example, the closing of the line may be determined according to the selection of the start button in the FAX 103.
[0128]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to receive an L-mode service, in particular, a service using the “FAX TO function”, using a general facsimile machine that does not support the L-mode service.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration to which an information terminal device and a line control device according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a line control apparatus according to the above embodiment
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a line control circuit in the line control apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information terminal device according to the above embodiment
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram extracting main functions of the information terminal device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when receiving provision of an L-mode service using the information terminal device and the line control device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information terminal device according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Information terminal device
102 Line control device
103 Facsimile machine (FAX)
104 Public telephone network (PSTN)
105 L-mode server
106 Data storage server
201-203 I / F terminal section
204 Line switching circuit A
205 Line switching circuit B
206 Line switching circuit C
207 Line control circuit
208 Ringer detection circuit
209 Loop detection circuit
401 control unit
402 ROM
403 RAM
404 modem
405 Network control unit (NCU)
406 display
407 keyboard
502 detector
503 Off-hook detector
504 Outside line detection unit
505 Operation detection unit
506 timer
507 Discriminator
508 Switching instruction signal sending unit
509 Display control unit

Claims (6)

A search item is acquired by connecting to a search server via a public line network, and when the connection is reconnected to the content server using a destination telephone number included in the desired search item, the content server makes the desired item An information terminal device that obtains the search item and makes a call to the content server in a communication service that distributes content associated with the search item, a facsimile device that receives the content associated with the desired search item, and the public A line control device disposed between a line network and switching a connection destination with the public line network between the information terminal device and the facsimile device;
The connection destination with the public line network is switched to the information terminal device when the search item is acquired, and is switched to the facsimile device when the content associated with the desired search item is received .
When an off-hook in the facsimile is detected after calling the content server at the information terminal device, the connection destination with the public line network is switched from the information terminal device to the facsimile device,
If there is an off-hook in said facsimile apparatus, wherein regardless of the destination of the public network, the line control device, characterized that you notify the information terminal device. 2. The line control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein switching control of a connection destination with the public line network is performed according to an instruction from the information terminal apparatus. A search item is acquired by connecting to a search server via a public line network, and when the connection is reconnected to the content server using a destination telephone number included in the desired search item, the content server makes the desired item In a communication service for delivering content associated with a search item, a connection destination with the public line network is connected between the apparatus and the facsimile device together with a facsimile apparatus that receives the content associated with the desired search item. An information terminal device connected to the line control device to be switched,
  When a destination telephone number included in the desired search item is selected, a call is made to the content server, and when the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is detected thereafter, a connection destination with the public line network is set as the facsimile destination. Sending an instruction signal to switch to the device to the line control device,
  If the completion of reception preparation in the facsimile apparatus is not detected within a predetermined time after calling the content server, the reception processing of the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile apparatus is stopped. Information terminal device. 4. The information terminal device according to claim 3, wherein when the reception processing of the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile apparatus is stopped, a message indicating that is displayed. 5. The information terminal apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when a content associated with the desired search item is received by the facsimile apparatus, a message indicating the fact is displayed. When reception of the content associated with the desired search item by the facsimile apparatus is completed, a support signal for switching the connection destination to the public line network to the information terminal apparatus is sent to the line control apparatus. The information terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

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